A Cork Cell Wall Approach to Swelling and Boiling with ESEM Technology

The bark of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) is mostly used for stopper production; when undergoes a series industrial procedures, boiling usually leads to changes in the characteristics its tissue. Trees are traditionally grown under natural conditions; however, irrigation now being plantations. This permanent water availability affects development, while effects on procedures unknown. study provides first insight into behaviour cell walls during process swelling and trees have been irrigation, that is, subject specific regime. Cork tissue analysed using environmental scanning electron microscopy three regimes: raw conditions, following immersion water, after boiling. Additionally, radial expansion samples determined. results show greater wall from irrigated site than traditional rainfed plot hydrated 24 h. After boiling, thinner stage, which contrast cork. suggests growth produces higher capacity adsorption, increasing thickness stage stage.